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NCT Number: NCT06918535

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users.

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Chronic Neck Pain Chronic Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Karachi, Sindh, 74200, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Iram Shamsi, PhD (scholar), MPhil, DPT

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Iram Shamsi, PhD (scholar), Mphil, DPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923012135230

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Persons using computer more than 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently both genders.
  • Age between 20-45.
  • Hypertonicity of trapezius muscle and SCM muscle. Specifically, those workers have neck pain and stiffness (including trouble tilting or turning head). Patients who reported small tightening and spasm at the posterior aspect of their neck are included, also associated with more diffuse neck pain patterns that included the following: headache, (upper back, neck and shoulder pain) numbness/ tingling in the hand/arm.
  • Pain intensity of 2 on the NRS and presence of at least one latent trigger point in a taut band in the neck region.

Exclusion criteria

  • Recent trauma to the cervical region
  • Exclusion criteria based on with any serious pathology such as specific neck pain due to disc prolapsed, tumor of cervical spine, whiplash injury, cervical fractures, Cervicogenic headache, and any neurological signs consistent with nerve root compression

Treatment and study plan

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Other

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce physical tension and stress. Developed by Edmund Jacobson in the 1930s, PMR aims to promote deep relaxation by increasing awareness of muscle tension and learning to release it. The technique is typically performed in a quiet environment, starting from the feet and progressing upward or vice versa. It is commonly used for stress management, pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improving overall well-being.

Muscle Energy Technique

Other

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy approach that uses the patient's voluntary muscle contractions against a controlled resistance provided by the therapist to improve musculoskeletal function. It is commonly used to lengthen shortened muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. MET works by engaging the target muscles in an isometric or isotonic contraction, followed by a relaxation phase, allowing for a greater stretch or repositioning of the joint. It is frequently used in physiotherapy for conditions such as muscle tightness, joint restrictions, and postural imbalances.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in pain on Numeric Rating Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and week 2

    On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Individuals will be asked to rate the pain. Increase in number suggests increase in pain and decrease in number suggests decrease in pain.

  2. Change in disability on the Neck Pain Disability Index Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and week 2

    The questionnaire, consists of 10 sections with scores ranging from 0 to 5, has demonstrated validity and reliability. The percentage of disability score will be calculated, where item scores range from 0 (no limitation) to 5 (major activity limitation), and the total score is a sum of the item scores (possible range 0 (no pain) - 50 (maximal pain)). A score of less than 4 indicates no disability; 5-14 mild disability, 15-24 moderate disability and 25-34 severe disability. A score of above 35 indicate complete perceived disability. The patient will rate each section based on their level of difficulty due to neck pain. Increase in score suggests increase in disability and decrease in score suggests decrease in disability.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Range of Motion on the Goniometer

    Time frame: Baseline and week 2

    A goniometer, a tool used to measure joint angles, is used to assess range of motion, which is the degree of movement a joint can achieve. Goniometry, the measurement of joint angles. Increase in scores suggests increase in range of motion.

  2. Change from baseline in head posture on plumb line

    Time frame: Baseline and week 2

    A plumb line is a simple tool to check posture by comparing head and shoulder alignment. Landmarks: Mastoid process & auditory meatus (ear canal). Any forward head posture is noted if the tragus (ear) moves ahead of the plumb line. Measured in inches while standing or sitting. Increase in inches suggests increase and decrease suggests decrease in forward head posture.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Aftab Ahmed Mirza Baig, PhD, MSAPT, DPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923002739920

Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923352783584

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

IQRA University

Other

Collaborators

  • Dow University of Health Sciences
  • Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Registry information

Official study title

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: RCT

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 9, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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